Native-born sons are not quickly forgotten, even though they adopt new homes.

Carroll Wyckoff, whose parents were Samuel and Pearl Wyckoff, was born in Watsonville about 1899 into a prominent local family. He spent his early years in the Pajaro Valley before moving with his family to Napa, California. Brothers Emory and Shirley joined him in the Wyckoff family along with his grandmother.

After completing his education, Private Wyckoff joined the US Army in Napa in 1918. Following basic training, he was assigned to the new tank training facility at Camp Colt at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, commanded by Major Dwight D. Eisenhower. During the period of his training the Spanish flu epidemic was rampant. An Internet website in existence in 2007 noted
“The first major crisis in the notable career of Eisenhower occurred at Camp Colt in September 1918 and involved Fr. Boyle and SFX [St. Francis Xavier] Parish. It was the development of the most virulent epidemic ever to strike the community - the deadly Spanish Influenza. By September 25th Fr. Boyle offered the army the use of SFX Hall as a hospital (which was already in use as quarters for the men at
the government's request) and it was immediately accepted by the now Major Eisenhower. School was closed and the desks and furniture removed thus converting use back to a hospital for the sick and dying soldiers as had occurred 55 years before ...
The entire auditorium of Xavier Hall was converted to hospital wards, but by October 2nd even that 70 patient capacity was reached. The first floor of the building was then cleared and it too was used for more patients. The Gettysburg Times reported that the cots were placed in rows while the stage was utilized as an office for the doctor and medics in charge.”

On October 4, 1918, at the height of the flu epidemic, Carroll Wyckoff died at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His burial site has not been identified, but his remains were likely returned to Napa, California for interment.

(CAG; USCR, 1910 Census, CA, Napa; WEP October 5, 1918 3:5; http://www.hancockshakervillage.org/stars_and_stripes/sample6. html (2007)